A case of fraud has been opened for investigation at SAPS Port Shepstone after two men and a woman misrepresented themselves on Friday, 10 May 2019. It is alleged that they pretended to be employees from the Department of Health.
They approached a supermarket on Nelson Mandela Drive in Port Shepstone and proceeded to check the expiry dates of various items. They allegedly further requested the storekeeper to make a cash payment to them. The owner of the store then contacted the department to confirm the visit. This resulted in the three suspects fleeing in their vehicle.
The three suspects were arrested in Hibberdene on 13 May 2019, after they were spotted by vigilant members of the community. A vehicle with false registration plates, reflective jackets, fraudulent documents from the Department of Health, identity cards as well as stamps found in suspect’s possession were seized. The vehicle used by the perpetrators was hired and fitted with fake department of health signage.
The suspects aged between 34 and 38 are expected to appear in the Port Shepstone Magistrates Court on 15 May 2019. They face charges of extortion and fraud. We want to thank those that were vigilant and alerted police to these fake health inspectors.
Bogus health inspectors arrested
